Newcastle Knight Daniel Saifiti is thrilled to represent the Fijian Bati for the second time when the team takes on the Papua New Guinea Kumuls on Saturday at Pirtek Stadium.
It's been a big 12 months for Saifiti since he pulled on his first representative jersey.
This time last year he was playing in the Knights' under 20s NYC competition when he was selected to represent the Fijian Bati team.
Since then the recently turned 20-year-old has played six first grade games with the NRL Knights.
"Last year I probably took the week for granted and was happy to just be there," he told Knights TV on his first day of being in camp with the team.
"I was probably starstruck by the NRL players.
"This year, now I have a few NRL games under my belt, I think I really have a chance to rip in and show I deserve to be here."
The highlight of the week for Saifiti is connecting with his Fijian roots while spending time with his teammates.
"It's good to come back to camp and see some familiar faces from last year," he said.
"It's going to be a bit different from last year as I know what to expect, I'm looking forward to it."
He describes the experience as a rollercoaster week and speaks about the unique aspects of being in camp and learning more about his culture.
"It's obviously different from playing in Newcastle. You wake up every morning and prayer before you eat which you normally wouldn't do," he said.
The towering forward is prepared, mentally and physically for a challenging match against Pacific Island rivals, the Papua New Guinea Kumuls on Saturday.
"The Kumuls are always tough. I played them last year and it was like running into a brick wall," he said.
"I know what to expect this time around so it's going to be good."
Pacific Test Double Header
Venue: Pirtek Stadium
Daye Saturday May 7
Gates Open: 3pm
Junior Kangaroos v Junior Kiwis -3.15pm
Papua New Guinea Kumuls v Fiji Bati- 5.35pm
Mate Ma'a Tonga v Toa Samoa- 7.40pm
